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Job Summary
The Minister for Justice, Advocacy, and Change is a relationship builder. This person is responsible for engaging The Riverside Church’s congregation, lay leaders, other ministerial staff, and the community on implementing Riverside’s social justice programs, campaigns, and initiatives, consistent with the church’s mission to bring “social transformation…witnessing to God’s saving purposes for all of creation.” The person in this role…
Demonstrates a theological understanding derived from both Hebrew and Christian traditions of the intrinsic connection between the profession of faith and acts of social justice aimed at realizing the Christian vision of the “beloved community.”
Provides inspired leadership in understanding the themes of divine kinship, resistance, and liberation from oppression that are central to the Christian faith.
Educates and equips the congregation to serve as allies in the struggles of the made-poor, marginalized, and oppressed for human dignity and equity in society.
Identifies strategic partnerships outside the church that can produce the greatest impact in dismantling systems that perpetuate racism, economic oppression and environmental degradation.
Possesses exceptional community organizing skills to mobilize the congregation to be involved in Riverside’s partnership with initiatives on justice.
Is able to successfully navigate in a church with a history of active lay engagement in its programs, and reconciles differences in priorities and goals in order to achieve consensus.
Has proven management skills to help The Riverside Church achieve well defined social justice outcomes by leading members in establishing program priorities, developing budgets, and defining responsibilities.
Takes on other responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Minister.
Above all, the Minister for Justice, Advocacy, and Change approaches this work from a pastoral standpoint, valuing the cultivation of interpersonal relationships and appreciating the role of spiritual care in the work of social justice.
Job Responsibilities
Congregational Leadership
Provides staff leadership to the Mission and Social Justice Commission, and to the ministries within the social justice program.
Educates and equips members to think, speak, and act prophetically in the world by holding up the lens of the Christian vision of a just world to examine existing social orders.
Provides leadership in teaching and pastoral responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Minister.
Leads worship as assigned by the Senior Minister in collaboration with clergy colleagues.
Inspires active engagement and commitment of the congregation in social justice initiatives aimed at change.
Church Mission Engagement
Works with the Senior Minister, the MSJ Commission, and MSJ ministries to identify and prioritize key areas of engagement around social justice issues for the congregation.
Engages the Church Council in supporting these priorities.
Communicates social justice priorities to the congregation.
Program Strategy
Designs and develops strategies for executing the church’s social justice priorities.
Leverages successful, outcome-based coalitions using excellent community organizing skills.
Accesses an extensive network of contacts in other congregations and social justice organizations on the local, state and national level.
Collaborates with other staff members and lay leaders to integrate social justice work into other programmatic areas of the church.
Facilitates training of congregants and other community members for effective engagement in social justice work.
Represent the church in local, regional and national social justice gatherings.
Administration and Management
Provides staff leadership in the office of Justice, Advocacy, and Change
Promotes collaboration, safety, equity, and access according to EEOC guidelines and TRC workplace guidelines.
Partners with TRC Human Resources to support staff professional development.
Develops the MSJC annual budget in cooperation with the MSJ Commission.
Exercises full financial management of the budget, reporting to MSJC and the Budget and Planning Committee.
Communicates frequently and clearly with written and verbal messages that strengthen collaboration and transparency.
Partners with the Communications Department to develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan for social justice initiatives.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Ordination in a denomination that is a member of the National Council of Churches.
M.Div. degree
Understanding of the theological foundations of the prophetic call to do justice.
Experience in organizing on social justice agendas, with a program, organization or institution.
A proven ability to develop effective community-based programs and to cultivate meaningful relationships within communities, including partnerships with the public and private sectors.
Experience in a congregation or an organizational setting with a multi-cultural membership and a diverse staff.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Demonstrated ability to interact in a collaborative manner with other ministries and staff.
Demonstrated skill in administration, budgeting, and staff supervision.
PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING WITH YOUR COVER LETTER/ APPLICATION:
A portfolio of video sermons, syllabi, outlines of workshops led, media clippings, etc. that demonstrate a proven track record of social justice advocacy and community organizing.
Three professional references are required; one additional personal reference is optional
The Riverside Church provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
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